The 5th Edition Of The International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM) Concluded This Month
Tuesday 20th of September 2022
The annual fair of IMTM Pvt. Ltd successfully concluded earlier this month. The 2-day event was hosted at the Manhattan Business Hotel on the 7-8th September 2022. The yearly fair is a B2B (Business-to-Business) event bringing forth leading international travel agents and tour operators under one roof. The platform also welcomed the Maldives’ Tourism industry to take part in the fair, in the hopes of assisting accommodation providers to expand their clientele while selling properties.
The IMTM supports both inbound and outbound tourism in the Maldives. The fair had a unique concept where global travel companies were invited to participate as ‘International Buyers’ while local participants are deemed as ‘Trade Visitors’. By following this concept, the buyers were deemed as exhibitors, meaning they were stationed at their booths throughout the event, making scheduled meetings between partners easier. As a result, a more tailored networking experience was given to all participants while still promoting their businesses.
This year’s edition of the fair received immense support from both buyers and visitors. 35 International Buyers from 18 various countries visited the fair while 102 local companies took part in the IMTM as well. This included resorts, hotels, liveaboards, guesthouses and even travel agents and tour operators.
The IMTIM proved to be particularly fruitful for Maldivian youth as the fair facilitated introductions to potential industry partners. Through engaging the youth, IMTM hopes to provide a valuable insight into the industry, by allowing them to better understand the inner workings of travel fairs and paving the way for them to set foot into the blossoming industry.
The fair also highlighted why Maldives is a perfect destination for MICE tourism, where potential travelers can get the most out of both business and leisure at the same time. The 5th edition was concluded with a Gala Night at Kaani Beach Hotel in Maafushi. During the Gala night, IMTM celebrated and acknowledged its partners and international buyers by presenting plaques to all participants. The plaque represented a token of thanks for contributing to the success of this year’s fair.
A special treat awaited International Buyers who opted for the FAM trip package after the fair. As part of the package, familiarization trips were conducted at resorts including Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Fihalhohi Island Resort and Furaveri Island Resort & Spa. Moreover, some buyers were also taken to tour the Ecoboo Maldives- a soon to be opened sustainable hotel in V. Thinadhoo allowing a sneak peek into the thriving local tourism of the country.